Waiting for my meal at a lunch bar in Groningen, I find myself smiling at the thought of the gripping work project I am rounding off and the so awaited power yoga class tonight. I barely notice the stranger standing by my side, a big smile on his untried face. “What’s your name?” he asks me and follows up with “How old are you?” Caught off guard, I almost retort, …
Uncensored: on women’s bodies, eating disorders, and social media
In the Women’s Month, let’s take a moment to unearth an often swept under the rug discussion about a mental illness that is affecting millions of women all over the world1. A mental illness that, unfortunately, isn’t high on the agenda of the institutions that can make a difference. A mental illness that is on the rise2 and has the second highest mortality rate worldwide3: eating disorders.
Freelancing tip 3: Social media harms your freelance business
As a freelance writer, you use social media to increase your exposure, connect with (new) clients and fellow professionals in your niche, stay up to date with the latest trends, and share your writing projects. But at the same time you feel inadequate and unmotivated as you compare yourself with other writers’ overly contrived success. Your inspiration succumbs to apathy. You use social media to consume more and more content. …
This is the woman I want to be
I know a lot of smart, hard-working, persevering women; strong, independent, superwomen; kind, compassionate, caring women; overapologetic, self-effacing, accommodating women; overworked, chronically fatigued, irritable women. But relaxed women? Grounded women? Women at peace with themselves? Women who make time for rest and pleasure without feeling guilty? I don’t know such women. But I want to become one.